Minister of Agriculture George Chapond who is being accused of having a hand in K26 billion maize-gate, on Monday rubbished the calls for his resignation advanced by some Malawians and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), arguing the ADMARC issues do not concern the minister.
On Sunday, some CSOs gave the Agriculture Minister a 21-day ultimatum to resign or face massive protest in order to pave way for investigation.
The COSs have also asked government to fire ADMARC Chief Executive Officer Foster Mulumbe for being corrupt and incompetent.
However, Chaponda described such CSOs as his enemies who always aim at ending his job.
He said such CSOs have been saying this since he has been a minister.
“Why should I resign? Such calls do not make sense at all. As a minister, I am not mandated to take part in the process of purchasing maize,” said Chaponda.
He said there is high exaggeration and cooked stories concerning him in the Zambian maize deal.
“Issues of purchasing maize in Zambia concern ADMARC and my journey there was just for policy issues and negotiate the price with the Zambian government,” he disclosed.
Mulumbe denied to issue a comment on the matter saying the matter is under investigation.
Meanwhile, President Peter Mutharika has established the commission of inquiry to investigate the rotten maize deal and bring the results within 30 days.